Gee, that might look like these patrols are a big waste of money, & that would risk several people's jobs - the pilot & ground crew, at the least. Plus, it's probably safer flying in a helo that patrolling the mean streets, & a lot more fun.
As good citizens, it is our duty to do more rock hunting in the desert. Just to spice up the daily report, wear a hoodie & carry a black squirt gun.
This story would be funny if it wasn't so depressing.
* What do you expect these cops to put on their daily report, “Saw nothing, did nothing”?*
Got to do something to fill up all those years between now and that sweet, sweet retirement.